New research out this week has revealed almost half of employers are planning to increase their grad recruits over the coming year. A poll carried out by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) and Handshake showed 47% of businesses employing students and grads are aiming to bolster their recruitment over the year, whilst 50% said they would maintain current employment levels, and 3% are planning to cut back on hiring. Nevertheless, 85% of employers stated graduates have had less time in the workplace compared to others as a result of the pandemic.

Additional survey findings

The poll also showed that, in regard to equal opportunities, 68% of employers think the effect of the Covid crisis on grad candidate skills will likely influence those with marginalised backgrounds more. A total of 97% of employers who took part in the survey said their main priority was diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in their recruitment plans. In response to the research, Recruitment & Employment Confederation campaigns director, Shazia Ejaz said: “In a tight labour market, it makes sense that employers would be looking to increase graduate hires and train them up.” The research “confirms what we know about how employers need to create the right culture and equality of opportunity to attract and retain the best candidates”, she added. In a similar vein, Business in the Community campaign manager, Kate Carr said firms need to make sure their hiring plans don’t become obstacles for young hopefuls from disadvantaged backgrounds: "Creating partnerships with organisations that represent diverse candidates and looking beyond qualifications and experience to skills and capabilities will help employers connect to the right candidates for the job," she stated. The results also revealed 33% of employers said the key factor for increasing grad hires was business growth, whilst 20% said grad recruitment represents ‘good value’. 

Graduate win

Hiring new graduates is a win-win, according to ISE CEO, Stephen Isherwood, due to their fresh ideas and innovative methods: “It'll be good news for recent university leavers that more roles at a broad range of top companies are likely to open up in the next 12 months, after some undoubtedly tricky times in recent years." In the coming year, grads with specific skills will still be a main concern, as 63% of companies said hiring those with sector-specific skills was a ‘high priority’.